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Aerial Applicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Groundsperson

Kent, WA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Familiarity with aerial lift/bucket truck operations and energized electrical infrastructure * Pesticide applicator's license -- or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire * Bilingual (English ...

Groundsperson

Portland, OR · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Familiarity with aerial lift/bucket truck operations and energized electrical infrastructure * Pesticide applicator's license -- or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire * Bilingual (English ...

Tree Surgeon

University Park, PA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Operate bucket truck, power spray equipment, power chain saw, aerial work platforms, backhoe ... Must possess Pennsylvania Certified Applicator License Category 6. Commercial Driver`s License (CDL ...

$21 - $28.75/hr

Operate bucket truck, power spray equipment, power chain saw, aerial work platforms, backhoe ... Must possess Pennsylvania Certified Applicator License Category 6. Commercial Driver`s License (CDL ...

No climbing, tree trimming, or aerial tree work required. *As a condition of employment, the individual in this role must obtain and maintain a valid Qualified Applicator License (QAL) within 60 to ...

$250/hr

Have or be able to obtain Pesticide Applicator License within 6 months of hire. * Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) experience. * Experience working with regulated plant material. * Experience working ...

Showing results 41-60

Aerial Applicator information

See salary details

$10

$20

$27

How much do aerial applicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial applicator in the United States is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aerial applicator?

An Aerial Applicator, also known as an agricultural pilot or crop duster, is responsible for applying pesticides, fertilizers, and other treatments to crops from an aircraft. They help protect plants from pests, weeds, and diseases while covering large areas quickly and efficiently. Aerial Applicators must have specialized training, a pilot's license, and knowledge of agricultural chemicals and safety regulations. This job requires precision flying skills, attention to weather conditions, and strict adherence to environmental guidelines.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an aerial applicator?

Aerial Applicators need strong piloting skills, a valid commercial pilot’s license, and a thorough understanding of agricultural science and application methods. Proficiency with GPS navigation systems, spray equipment, and relevant state or federal certifications such as agricultural aviation licenses is critical. Attention to detail, strong decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this position. These abilities are essential to ensure precise application, regulatory compliance, and the safety of both operator and environment.

What are the main challenges an aerial applicator might encounter on the job?

Aerial Applicators often work in variable weather conditions and must navigate diverse terrains, which can make each flight unique and sometimes challenging. Managing the precise application of chemicals while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations is essential and requires constant attention to detail. Additionally, coordinating with ground crews, farmers, and other agricultural professionals is a key part of the role. These challenges make adaptability and strong situational awareness important qualities for long-term success in aerial application.

More about Aerial Applicator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerial Applicator jobs?

The most popular types of Aerial Applicator jobs are:

What states have the most Aerial Applicator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerial Applicator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Aerial Applicator jobs?

For Aerial Applicator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerial Applicator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,089 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

CLS Tree Trimmer

Suffolk, VA • On-site

The Davey Tree Expert Company
Environmental Quality Programs Administration • 10K+ employees

$25 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,064 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company  
Locations: Suffolk, VA  
Additional Locations: NA 
Work Site: On Site   
Req ID: 227159 

Compensation Data

$25-$35 hourly

Position Overview

The CLS Tree Trimmer is responsible for pruning, repairing, and removing trees to promote optimal growth and health. This role also involves tree and shrub fertilization, planting, and maintaining equipment.

Job Duties

• Prune and trim trees for optimal health and growth from bucket trucks, aerial devices, or by climbing.
• Repair, remove, and fell damaged trees and limbs.
• Cut, chip, load brush, and perform job site cleanup ensuring surrounding areas are clear of debris.
• Plant, transplant, and fertilize trees and shrubs.
• Maintain, prepare, and operate tools, equipment, and vehicles safely.
• Install cabling, bracing, and lightning protection systems in trees.
• Assist crew members and serve as acting Crew Leader when required.
• Identify major trees, shrubs, and poisonous plants in the area.
• Adhere to safety regulations and perform first aid, CPR, and aerial rescue.
• Use manuals, follow instructions accurately, and communicate clearly.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age to work in the field.
• Driver’s license. A commercial driver’s license is preferred and may be required, depending on job requirements.
• Ability to complete required safety courses upon hire.
• Ability to complete Davey Career Development Program (CDP) books.
• Completion of Tree Trimmer Orientation Program.
• Ability to acquire applicator licenses as necessary per state requirements.

Additional Information

What We Offer [Benefits]:
We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels.
• Group health plans* 
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance*
• Life insurance*
• Paid parental leave
• 401k with up to a 4% company match**
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan:  Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount
• Holidays and paid time off*
• Payroll savings plan*
• Charitable matching gift program*
• Employee referral bonus program* 
• Employee Educational Scholarship*
• Davey Family Scholarship*
• 20% discount on all Davey services*
• Cell phone discounts*
• Vehicle purchase discount program*
• Plus, so much more!

* All listed benefits available to eligible employees on Day 1.
** Union employees are not eligible for a 401k plan, but may be eligible to join pension plans negotiated by their local union.

The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.

Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.

Employment Type: Permanent 
Job Type: Full Time 
Travel Expectations: Up to 25% 


Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, we care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance


What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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